Baldacci Backs Budget Cuts Silence On Tax Reform: Budget Is the 'Priority,' Spokesman Says ; the Governor Reiterates His Opposition to Raising Taxes or Dipping Into Savings to Erase a $95 Million Shortfall.

Portland Press Herald › January 10, 2008

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Summary

Maine's political leaders must back difficult spending cuts and find more efficient ways to deliver services, Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday night during a State of the State speech in which he opposed tax increases while promoting government consolidation and streamlining.

Addressing the Legislature in the chamber of the House of Representatives, Baldacci filled his 39-minute speech with inspirational flourishes, a recap of accomplishments and a look at the challenges ahead, including the need to offset a $95 million shortfall in the state budget.

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Baldacci Backs Budget Cuts Silence On Tax Reform: Budget Is the 'Priority,' Spokesman Says ; the Governor Reiterates His Opposition to Raising Taxes or Dipping Into Savings to Erase a $95 Million Shortfall.

"We come together tonight as Maine stands on the verge of a new era that is forcing the state to grapple with "hard truths," Baldacci said, including high fuel prices, declining home values, the nation's wartime footing and the shortfall in the state's $6.3 billion, two-year budget.

Yet Maine is "better prepa...

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